You will need the drive and commitment to work with children and young people aged 15 to 18.

As a youth justice worker you must complete a level 4 child focused qualification. You will be fully funded to complete this.

You will learn the theory of child development to understand children and young people’s behaviours, and the all too often emotional pain and trauma behind them.

You will learn how your approach and personal interactions can make a big difference in the lives of children and young people.

How studies help you at work every day

Your pay depends on your location and reflects the fact that you will have to work a shift pattern which includes unsocial hours. You may also have opportunities to work additional paid hours.

You will start on a 37 hour contract until your initial training is complete. After this you can choose to increase your hours to 39 or 41 hours a week until you complete the level 4 qualification.

Youth justice worker salaries are increasing from September 2022. If your application is successful, the increase will be reflected in your starting salary.

See below for details of how much you can expect to earn.

Example salary for a 39 hour week
(including 20% unsocial hours allowance)

Figures based on new pay award from September 2022.

*includes market supplements.

• 25 days of annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years of service)
• paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
• a Civil Service pension with employer contributions of over 25%
• childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, travel loans and other benefits

You will begin your career with 12 weeks of training.

Weeks 2 to 12 are spent on Prison Officer Entry Level Training (POELT) specialising in working with children and young people in custody.

This training ensures you are fully equipped and ready for an operational role. You will learn:

• how to de-escalate situations, and, if necessary, safely restrain children and young people using Managing & Minimising Physical Restraint (MMPR) techniques
• all aspects of working in youth custody from security to policy
• practical skills – whether that be locking doors or de-escalating an incident – with support from trainers
• youth specific interventions including motivational interviewing, restorative justice and trauma informed approaches so you can use them confidently

Training is likely to take place away from your home unless you have a training centre near you. You will receive full pay and expenses.

At the end of the training you will be awarded a NVQ Level 3 qualification.

As part of the youth justice worker role, you must complete a level 4 child focused qualification.

You will learn about speech, language and communication needs, and the essential skills for child protection and safeguarding.

You will be given time, support and technology to help you balance your working duties.

All studies are fully funded.